2019 Lakes Congress Session Descriptions – Thursday, May 30

Evening Discussion 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Steam Over ‘Winnepiseogee’ (Carriage House) Presented by: David Warren, Historian The railroads and their steamboats changed the Lakes Region into the mecca for tourists, vacationers, and summer residents that it is today. No other development in our history has had a greater impact on our economy and culture. The Mount Washington, the oldest iron hull passenger ship in the world still cruising on a fresh waterbody, is a treasured legacy of that era.

During this discussion, you will learn how the railroads forever changed the towns on that they served and will see how dozens of steamboats extended their reach to the rest of the lake. In addition, stories and diaries left by folks who lived and worked here during that time, as well as steamboat logs and newspaper articles, will help paint a picture of life here during this most interesting era.

Finally, David will highlight the fascinating and convoluted story of the Mount Washington, and you will learn why the vessel we know and love today almost didn’t happen.

2019 Lakes Congress Session Descriptions – Friday, May 31

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Keynote Address

Voices of the Land (Winnipesaukee Ballroom) Presented by: Eric Eckl, Owner, Water Words That Work What motivates property owners to voluntarily take action to reduce erosion and runoff water into waterways? What does it take for you to close that deal? In this inspiring keynote, you will hear what it takes for local grassroots efforts to succeed in getting more conservation practices implemented on the ground to protect our waters, including our lakes.

About our Keynote Presenter: Eric Eckl founded Water Words That Work, LLC, and oversees all the company’s client projects. The company’s mission is to ensure the American people enjoy clean and safe water, outdoors and at home, and they do this by helping clients and students succeed with their outreach and communication. Eric has more than 20 years of experience planning and executing environmental outreach and communication programs. He is a sought-after conference speaker and has appeared on CNN and been quoted in the New York Times. Before starting the firm, Eric worked for Beaconfire Consulting, American Rivers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Environmental Law Institute. To learn more about Water Words That Work, visit www.waterwordsthatwork.com.

10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Concurrent Session I

A. Improve Your Brand and Increase Membership Support Presented by: Tom O’Brien, President, NH LAKES; Martha Lovejoy, Director of Development, NH LAKES; and, Mindy Schuman-Vye, Board President, Province Lake Association, Effingham/Wakefield and So. Parsonfield, ME

Who hasn’t said, “If all the people who love this lake would join us and support our work, we would keep our lake clean and healthy forever”? Attend this session and learn how groups are succeeding at getting their organization recognized and growing membership support for lake protection work. And, join in on the conversation!

B. The State of Lake Advocacy in Presented by: Kelly Buchanan, Advocacy Program Coordinator, NH LAKES

Wondering what happened in the 2019 legislative session that affects our lakes? Curious about the core issues NH LAKES advocates on? Attend this session and find out! Kelly will provide a summary of the 2019 legislative session and how NH LAKES participates in the legislative process.

C. Identifying and Managing Aquatic Invasive Species in New Hampshire’s Lakes and Rivers Presented by: NH Dept. of Environmental Services, or Andrea LaMoreaux, Vice President, NH LAKES

Attend this session for an overview of the status of aquatic invasive species infestations (plant and animals) in New Hampshire’s waterbodies. You’ll find what is being done to identify and manage infestations, including what local groups are doing. Gaps in management, and what could be done to fill these gaps, will be highlighted.

10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Concurrent Session I (continued)

D. NH LAKES LakeSmart Program Presented by: Krystal Costa, Conservation Program Coordinator, NH LAKES

Whether you live along a lake or miles from the nearest lake, you know what happens on your property ultimately affects a lake. But, do you know if your property is lake-friendly? This summer, NH LAKES is launching LakeSmart—a lake-friendly living program. Krystal will explain how local volunteer groups and the NH LAKES Team will provide property owners with site evaluations, recommendations, and a toolkit of information to achieve LakeSmart status. You will also find out how you and/or your group can participate!

E. Cyanobacteria in New Hampshire’s Lakes Presented by: Amanda McQuaid, Beach Program Coordinator, NH Dept. of Environmental Services

Cyanobacteria live in waterbodies around the world, including New Hampshire’s lakes. Because cyanobacteria are capable of producing toxins that are harmful to people and pets, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services informs the public when cyanobacteria blooms occur. During 2018, cyanobacteria advisories were issued for 30 waterbodies. Attend this session and find out what cyanobacteria blooms look like and what to do if you think you have spotted one.

F. Meet with the Communications Expert (one-on-one and small group meetings) (Penn Yan Room) Presented by: Eric Eckl, Owner, Water Words That Work

Do you have an outreach project or piece—a brochure, website, newsletter, social media channel—that you need expert help with? If yes, take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet with Eric Eckl, owner of Water Words That Work and nationally-recognized communications expert for water conservation issues. You, or your small group of up to four individuals, can schedule a 20-minute appointment with Eric to get what is sure to be invaluable guidance and feedback. You must pre-register. Once registered, we will reach out to you to get some basic information about your project so that Eric can prepare to meet with you. Specific appointments (for 1 – 4 people at a time) during Session I include the following: • 10:00 – 10:20 am: Meet with the Communication Expert, Appointment I-1 • 10:30 – 10:50 am: Meet with the Communication Expert, Appointment II-2

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Concurrent Session II

A. Local Groups Organizing for Lake Protection Panelists include: Julie Brown, Executive Director, Lake Wentworth Watershed Association, Wolfeboro; John Duffy, President, Pleasant Lake Preservation Association, Deerfield/Northwood; and, Lisa Eggleston, President, Winnisquam Watershed Network. Discussion facilitated by: Tom O’Brien, President, NH LAKES

Attend this panel discussion to learn how representatives from local lake associations are organizing efforts to protect lake heath on a watershed scale. Panelists will include representatives from a newly- formed organization that spans several towns, a group recently established from two long-standing organizations, and one that has been working systematically and effectively on a watershed scale for several years.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Concurrent Session II (continued)

B. Working with Local Government for Healthy Lakes Presented by: Kevin Kelly, Watershed Association, Moultonborough

In this session, you’ll learn how concerned individuals and local associations can make their voices heard in the regulatory process. Kevin will present a boots-on-the ground approach to working with neighbors, town government, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in on-going efforts to control polluted runoff water from a recent subdivision in the Lake Kanasatka watershed. He will share advice on responding to water quality threats and methods of documenting such problems.

C. Tools & Technologies for Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Presented by: Andrea LaMoreaux, Vice President, NH LAKES; and Dr. Ed Rudberg, Partner, CD3 General Benefit Corporation

Despite state laws and education activities, boaters continue to arrive at New Hampshire boat launches with boats that have not been cleaned, drained, and dry, posing a high risk for spreading invasive species into our waters. Andrea will highlight how NH LAKES is working to help upgrade boat launches with tools and technology to empower boaters to prevent the spread of invasive species. Ed will discuss how the CD3 Waterless Cleaning Station was piloted in Minnesota to ‘capture a unicorn’ and change boater behavior. Attend this session and find out how these tools and technology could be implemented in New Hampshire—including at your local boat launch!

D. Working with Your Local Land Trust to Conserve the Watershed (and the lake!) Panelists include: Bill Bassett, Association, New Durham; EB James, Executive Director, Squam Lakes Association; Lisetta J. Silvestri, Operations Director, Lakes Region Conservation Trust; and, Boyd Smith, Executive Director, Region Association

One way to help keep lakes clean and healthy is to put natural lands in the watershed into conservation. Land can be put into conservation while still allowing for certain uses. Attend this panel discussion and learn how lake associations and land trust organizations around the state are working together to conserve land, and our lakes. Bring your questions!

E. What is Our Water Worth? Presented by: Dr. Shannon Rogers, Community & Economic Development Team, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, and Dr. Alison Watts, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire

Water has many values, not the least of which is our love of lakes. The goal of this project was to gather information on the cost and value of water in New Hampshire to help us communicate with others about the value of water, especially our lakes. Shannon and Alison will explain how the study was conducted and will highlight the primary findings.

F. Meet with the Communications Expert (one-on-one and small group meetings) (Penn Yan Room) Presented by: Eric Eckl, Owner, Water Words That Work

See abstract provided for Session I-F. Specific appointments (for 1 – 4 people at a time) during Session II include the following (pre-registration required): • 11:00 – 11:20 am: Meet with the Communication Expert, Appointment II-1 • 11:30 – 11:50 am: Meet with the Communication Expert, Appointment II-2 12:10 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. Lunch Table Discussion Topics!

Networking opportunity back by popular demand! During the lunch session, we will offer the opportunity for attendees to sit together in the Winnipesaukee Ballroom at designated tables to discuss specific lake-related topics. See the signs on the tables and the insert in the conference folder for more information.

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Concurrent Session III

A. Membership: Best Practices for Recruitment and Retention Presented by: Erin Graichen, Membership Program Coordinator, NH LAKES

Recruiting and retaining members can be challenging. Erin will share strategies and best practices to encourage membership in person, on paper, and online. You will have the opportunity to discuss solutions to your most difficult membership problems. Bring your questions and challenges!

B. How to Become a Lake Advocate Panelists include: The Honorable Chris Christensen, Past Chair, Resources, Recreation and Development Committee, NH House of Representatives; Representative Suzanne Smith, Chair, Resources, Recreation and Development Committee, NH House of Representatives; Kelly Buchanan, Advocacy Program Coordinator, NH LAKES; and Tom O’Brien, President, NH LAKES

Have you ever wanted to get involved with advocating for our lakes, but didn’t know where to start? This session will help seasoned advocates brush up on their skills and will also introduce new advocates to the methods. Kelly will describe the legislative process and the best practices to use when communicating with legislators. Suzanne and Chris will describe their experiences as lawmakers and assist in a mock legislative committee public hearing. Be sure to bring your questions for these experts!

C. Courtesy Boat Inspections – The First Line of Defense for Your Lake Presented by: Krystal Costa, Conservation Program Coordinator, NH LAKES

The NH LAKES Lake Host courtesy boat inspection program is the first line of defense in keeping a lake free of invasive plants and animals. Whether there are public or private boat launches on your local lake, if there isn’t a courtesy boat inspection program being offered, your lake is at risk. Attend this session and find out how to get a program started. Whether there are interested volunteers or available funding, or you want to tag on to another local group’s efforts, we can tailor the Lake Host Program to defend your lake. Attend this session and you’ll also be trained as a Lake Host Inspector!

D. How to Build a Rain Garden Presented by: Lisa Loosigian, Program Coordinator, Soak Up the Rain New Hampshire, NH Department of Environmental Services, and Pat Tarpey, Executive Director, Lake Winnipesaukee Association

Drawing from direct experience building residential rain gardens, Lisa will walk you through how to size and design a garden, choose plants, build an inlet and outlet, and more. Then, take a short car trip to visit the bathhouse rain garden where Pat will discuss project details including partnering with the Town of Meredith. Limited transportation will be provided.

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Concurrent Session III (continued)

E. Climate Change and New Hampshire’s Waters & Loons Presented by: Dr. Elizabeth Burakowski, Research Assistant Professor, Earth Systems Research Center & Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space, University of New Hampshire; and, Harry Vogel, Senior Scientist and Executive Director, Loon Preservation Committee

As air temperatures warm and precipitation patterns change, New Hampshire’s water resources and wildlife are being impacted. Elizabeth will discuss how New Hampshire’s water resources are changing and how we use and rely on these resources is changing, too. Harry will then discuss how the Common Loon is facing increasing challenges in a warmer and wetter New Hampshire and what is being done to help loons cope with these challenges.

F. Meet with the Communications Expert (one-on-one and small group meetings) (Penn Yan Room) Presented by: Eric Eckl, Owner, Water Words That Work

See abstract provided for Session I-F. Specific appointments (for 1 – 4 people at a time) include the following (pre-registration required): • 1:00 – 1:20 pm: Meet with the Communication Expert, Appointment III-1 • 1:30 – 1:50pm: Meet with the Communication Expert, Appointment III-2 • 2:00 – 2:20 pm: Meet with the Communication Expert, Appointment III-3